Mikel Arteta has told Friday’s press conference – as per Football London – that he has held talks with Nuno Tavares after substituting him against Crystal Palace. He said that the defender was “hurt” after his axe.
Following Kieran Tierney’s knee injury, which has required an operation and since ruled him out for the rest of the season, 22-year-old Tavares was handed his first Premier League start since December 2.
But he was hooked at half-time. Tavares was at fault for the second goal, which Jordan Ayew finished well – and he came off after 45. Gabriel Martinelli replaced the £8.5million (Standard) signing, but Arsenal lost 3-0.
Tavares has since spoken out on Instagram about how hard it had been to be replaced and now – Arteta has confirmed that he has spoken to the left-back about his half-time hook. He has challenged Tavares to re-focus.
“I spoke with Nuno because I care a lot how they feel. That was a decision that hurt him but he understands that I felt it was for the benefit of the team. He respects that and now he needs to react,” Arteta said.
Arteta on Tavares: Arsenal defender needs to improve, before summer
Ultimately, Tavares has been poor when given the chance this season – and Scotland international Tierney is head and shoulders above him in terms of quality. So much so, that Tierney is considered to be the next captain.
Tavares is good cover, but he is probably some way off ever getting into Arsenal’s first team on a regular basis. He needs to take advantage of the next few games, if he starts, or he could find himself going in the summer.
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